Music lovers will
be treated to a vocal and instrumental music concert on Sunday, Oct 3, which has
been organized by the Hindu Society of Central Florida (HSCF) in Orlando.
World-class musicians Pandit Nandkishore Muley on santoor and Sri Ramakrishnan
Srinivasan on violin will play a Jugalbandi and Dr. Vasundhara Iyengar will lead
with classical Carnatic songs. The three artists are based in Central Florida
and travel extensively to perform in the United States as well internationally.
They performed together last October during former Indian President Dr. Abdul
Kalam’s visit to Orlando.

Pandit Nandkishore Muley
Sri Ramakrishnan Srinivasan

For the upcoming
concert, the three musicians are reunited to perform their magical and
spellbinding instrumental and vocal artistry. For the jugalbandi, which means
‘tied together,’ is a duet of maestros of equal caliber. Both will play with and
off each other, a sort of a musical duel, and each drawing inspiration from the
other’s mastery of their instrument. This time, there is an added element of
different styles of music . . . Hindustani and Carnatic; Muley will represent
the former and Srinivasan the latter.

However, both also
have elements of jazz. Their art has no boundaries; it transcends the realm of
the senses and takes one into the divine plane “for awakening the soul, the most
direct way to God,” according to Muley.

This event is
sponsored by HSCF to honor local artists, Indian music and as a fundraiser. It
will be held at the Bahia Shrine Auditorium, 2300 Pembrooke Drive, Orlando. To
purchase the $50 per person tickets, call the office at (407) 699-5277, Ganesh
Ramachandran at (407) 970-5253 or visit
www.hindutempleorlando.org

The Center for
India Studies at University of South Florida, Tampa is celebrating its first
anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 12, by staging “Chitram: A Portrait of India,” a
magical production by the center’s first artist in residence, Kanniks
Kanikeswaran. “Chitram” depicts the unity inherent in the diversity of cultures
across India using a powerful original music score performed by a team of more
than 45 artists, multimedia and multi-genre dances from all over India. The
performance will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Oval Theater, Marshall
Center.

The Center for
India Studies at USF demonstrates the university’s commitment toward becoming
more global in its orientation. Indian students also account for the largest
number of foreign students at USF. The center is founded with the mission of
sharing the wealth of India's cultural, spiritual and artistic traditions with
the world community. It aims to promote a comprehensive understanding of the
world's largest democracy through a number of means, including collaboration
with the Greater Tampa Bay Indian community. Its varied talks and events are
open to the public.

In Feb
2011, the center will host “Shanti: A Journey of Peace,” an east-west ensemble
of western chamber and choral music, Indian music and dance at the Straz
Performing Arts Center. The cast shall be drawn from the community and USF
faculty and students; those interested may contact the center at (813) 974-8439.

More than 7,000
people are expected to attend the sixth annual IndoPak Fest Sunday, Sept. 19 in
Coconut Creek. “Our purpose is to get the India-Pakistani people under one
roof,” said organizer Satbir Singh. “There will be Bollywood acts, singers,
dancers, fashion shows, dhol players and least 80 booths selling arts and
crafts, jewelry, henna, food, clothes.”

Also providing
entertainment on stage will be comedian Omar Sharif from Pakistan, and singers
Ravi B. from Trinidad and Terry Gajraj from Guyana.

The noon to 8 p.m.
fest will be at BCC North Campus, 1000 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek.
Admission is $7 in advance or $10 at the door. Parking is free.

At the outset, let’s be
very clear: the all-new BMW X6 M model is not everyone’s idea of a ride. Unless,
of course, you are a huge BMW fan and have plenty of change to spare for the
high-performance, rakish-shaped sports activity coupe. The 4.4-liter
twin-turbocharged V-8 engine cranks out a healthy 555 horsepower at 6000 rpm and
500 pounds-feet of torque at 1500 rpm. Translation: 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds
for a vehicle weighing nearly 5,000 pounds!

The M is equipped with
Dynamic Performance Control, which works in tandem with the xDrive
all-wheel-drive system to distribute torque between the left and right rear
wheels. The double wishbone/multilink front and a four-link rear suspension
soaks obstacles with dexterity, sure-footedness and poise. Providing seamless
shifts is a 6-speed automatic transmission. A speed-sensitive and perfectly
weighted power steering system affords outstanding feedback. The powerful and
fade-resistant 15.6-inch ventilated front and 15.2-inch rear discs operate
inside 20-inch wheels shod with 275/40 front and 315/35 rear run-flat tires.

Xenon adaptive headlights
with Corona rings flank the traditional kidney grille, but with familiar ‘M’
gills above and aft of the front wheel wells. The air intakes in the lower port
are nearly as large as the grille. The rear shows off ‘quad’ chrome exhaust
outlets and a ‘M’ etched on the trunk.

Step inside and you will
find yourself ensconced in cushiony and heated 10-way power front seats. The
previously complex iDrive console knob to control navigation, entertainment,
communication and climate systems is now simple to understand and use. Aluminum
trim on dash, doors and front center console is convincingly stylish.

An M-inspired thick-rimmed
three-spoke power steering wheel conveys a solid touch to the driver, inspiring
confidence in the agility of the vehicle. Also standard are a two-way power moon
roof and tailgate, and dual-zone auto climate control.

Opt for the Driver
Assistance Package ($1,800) if you would like a rearview camera with top view,
automatic high beams and head-up display. The Premium Sound Package ($1,400)
will fetch an iPod and USB adapter, 6-disc DVD changer and enhanced premium
sound.

A carryover from
2009, the Cadillac CTS-V sedan borrows its engine from the Corvette. And that of
course means abundant power is just a throttle away. The 6.2-liter supercharged
V-8 engine doles out 556 horsepower at 6100 rpm and 551 pounds-feet of torque at
3800 rpm. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the rear-wheel-drive car
can take off from 0 to 60 mph in just under 4 seconds.

The Magnetic Ride
Control adjusts the four-wheel independent suspension as per the road
conditions, resulting in a smooth but firm ride. It also keeps body roll to a
minimum. Stopping power is exceptional, thanks to 15-inch vented front and
14.7-inch rear discs.

Sitting on the
unitized welded steel body is a mammoth chrome-slathered mesh grille that meets
up a sculpted hood with an engine bulge, quad tail pipes and a prominent chrome
strip on the trunk door.

Climb into the
Caddy and your first impression is of a tailored, upscale and luxurious cabin.
Indeed, the fit and finish, gloss levels and materials are first-rate. We liked
the distinct V-shaped center console stack with striking vertical air vents and
an LCD screen that pops in out and out at the touch of a button. The analog
instrument gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, oil pressure and water
temperature are elegant.

The driver and
front-seat passenger are coddled by supple leather bucket seats. In fact, there
is ample head and leg room for five adults to relax and sit in comfort. To
accommodate drivers of all heights, Cadillac has equipped the CTS-V with a power
tilt/telescopic three-spoke steering wheel. Recaro seats and metal pedals for an
additional $3,400 are a perfect fit for the high-performance car. Optional
midnight sapele wood on the front/rear doors, center console and dashboard is
available for $600 and well worth it!

With tremendous
power at its command, the attractive and athletic CTS-V responds with nimbleness
and quickness to any driving condition. This is one invigorating experience that
will leave you wanting for more as you stroll down your neighborhood in comfort
and style.

Joining the GMC
brand this year is an all-new Terrain. Sharing its basic design with the
Chevrolet Equinox, the five-passenger crossover utility vehicle comes with a
standard 2.4-liter inline-4 cylinder engine. But our test-drive vehicle was
equipped with the optional 3.0-liter direct-injection V-6 engine, which puts out
264 horsepower at 6950 rpm and 222 pounds-feet of torque at 5100 rpm. The
6-speed automatic transmission is flawless.

Chrome rules the
exterior of the Terrain. It can be found on and around the three-element grille,
projector-beam headlights mounted in large, rectangular housings, door handles,
mirrors, roof rack side rails and rear skid plate.

The cabin is
functional with accommodating seats and logical controls with a tilt and sliding
sunroof, power lift gate, small camera in rearview mirror, four-spoke leather
steering wheel and eight-way power driver’s seat. There is plenty of leg and
shoulder room for adults in the rear but the Terrain stands out especially in
the cargo department. It boasts 31.6 cubic feet of storage area as well as a
front center console that can easily hold a laptop. The 60/40 rear seat slides
aft and fore 8 inches and reclines in three positions. Apart from having bins
and cubbies throughout, there is an oversized glove box and two-tier storage
space in the doors.

We got to hand it
to GMC for slotting the uniquely styled Terrain right under the seven-passenger
Acadia. Enjoy and explore the ‘terrain’ in this easy-to-drive, practical and
versatile vehicle with a pleasing interior. However, our test-drive vehicle
barely eked out 18.4 mpg in city/highway driving. Fuel-efficient minded folks
may want to stick to the standard 2.4-liter engine in the front-wheel-drive
version, which touts 22 mpg in city and 32 mpg on highway.

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